Saturday, October 31, 2009

Born Carlo Pedersoli on Ocotber 31, 1929 in Santa Lucia, Naples, Italy he received a law degree and was a swimmer on the Italian Olympic teams of 1952, and 1956. His first film was as a guard in Quo Vadis (1951). He later changed his name to Bud Spencer (Bud for Budweiser beer and Spencer in honor of actor Spencer Tracy), when paired with Terence Hill (Mario Girotti). Bub and Terence became super stars with the success of the Trinity films. They continued making films together and apart. Some of Bud's best films were without Hill. He earned licences as an airplane and helicopter pilot and in 1984 established Mistral Air an air-mail company. He is also an inventor with multiple patents. In 2005 he became a politician. Today we celebrate Bud Spencer's 80th birthday

Friday, October 30, 2009

Born Karl Lange on Ocotber 30, 1909 in Flensburg, Germany. He would appear in over 90 films and television appearances starting in 1954 and ending in 1990. Among them were three Euro-westerns “The Desperado Trail” (1965), “Duel at Sundown” (1965) and “The Cry of the Black Wolves” (1972). Karl dies on June 23, 1999 in Ostfildern, Germany. We remember Karl today on what would have been his 100th birthday.

The ongoing adventures of the Brother Blue, Cane, Johnny and Frank, in their attempt to rob banks and lead a life of crime. This film attempts to keep pace wth the revisionist American films of its day. It explores the meaning of freedom for the Brothers Blue. To them it means robbing banks, womanizing and killing if necessary to protect their carefree lifestyle. Bazzoni tries to incorporate the buddy film like “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” which is also reflected in the score by Renis. It incorporates violence as in “The Wild Bunch” and it also incorporates interest in new high-powered rifles as in “The Hunting Party” the later two films are reflected in the appearance of Jack Palance as the bounty hunter who is after the rewards on the Blues. What the result is as in “The Wild Bunch is death. The viewer really has no feeling of remorse for the brothers as they do for Butch and Sundance and even the Wild Bunch. These characters are just outlaws who for whatever reason don't want to be a part of society and work for a living they decide to take the easy way out and become robbers and killers. Although the film fails on most level the attempt to change form and keep up with the newest in film making has to be mentioned and respected.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Akim Tamiroff was born on Ocotber 28, 1899 in Tiflis, Georgia. The fiery Armenian came close to greatness as Sancho Panza in Orson Welles’ unfinished "Don Quixote"—unfortunately it’s a performance that no-one will ever see in full. The few scenes available indicate nothing short of a virtuoso turn. Nonetheless, as Uncle Joe Grandi in "Touch of Evil" he is terrific: making full use of his Stanislavski training, he brings to life this sweating, grunting hog of a man—without Tamiroff, this remarkable noir wouldn’t be the threatening pantomime classic it is. His other notable films include: "The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek", "Alphaville", "Lord Jim" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls" —for which he received a best supporting actor nomination. His peculiarly broad range resulted in a rather aimless career. Hard to place, Tamiroff brought to the screen a unique and implacable charm, an almost friendly theatrical wickedness. One of his lasting appearances is as Jakob Zouk in "Mr. Arkadin", a jittering, eccentric ghoul whose dying wish is a plate of goose liver—a fittingly obscure demise for a truly original performer. Tamiroff appeared in one Euro-western the 1968's “A Man Called Amen” as Pig Sty/Dean Light. Akim Tamiroff died on cancer on September 17, 1972 in Palm Springs, California. Today we remember him on what would have been his 110th birthday

When sheriff Dakota Thompson is framed by a gang of outlaws led by Alavrez and sentenced to life in prison. His brother Slim helps breaks him out of jail and the two eliminate the gang and prove Dakota's innocence, which results in his reinstatement as sheriff.

Bernhard Wicki was born on October 28, 1919 in St. Pölten, Austria and studied in Breslau. He then attended drama school in Berlin but spent most of World War II in prison. After the end of World War II, he starred in many films such as “Die letzte Brücke (1953) and “Es geschah am 20. Juli” (1955). He also became a well known photographer. Wicki started as a director in 1958 with “Warum sind sie gegen uns?” He attained International recognition for his anti-war film “Die Brücke”. Bernhard appeared in only one Euro-western “Carlos” (1971). Wicki died of heart failure on January 3, 2000 in Munich, Germany. Today we celebrate what would have been his 90th birthday.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Almost nothing is known about Italian character actor Elio Angelucci. He seldom had a speaking role and was basically nothing more than a continuously used extra. This heavily bearded actor with dark eyes and heavy eyebrows was usually seen as an occassional bartender, but more often seen as a saloon patron, townsman, gang member or someone seen in background shots. Thanks to Michel Ferguson for supplying information on Elio's real name and additional western film credits.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Matt Blake has reported the death of Italian director, screenwriter Guido Zurli who passed away on October 23rd

Guido Zurli has died at the age of 80 on October 23rd. In his career, spanning nearly 50 years, he worked in a variety of genres, from spaghetti westerns to peplum, from horror to porn (he worked on the film debut of Moana Pozzi in "Valentina ragazza in calore" (1981), before leaveing the set). He also directed operas, documentaries and television programs.

Born January 9, 1929, at Foiano della Chiana, Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy Zurli had became especially popular in the Islamic world, after directing "Le verdi bandiere di Allah", which he’d originally scripted for Sergio Leone, and also because he worked regularly in Turkey, where he shot the western "Cowboy Kid" and others. Recently there was talk of him as being the possible director of a film on the life of Licio Gelli.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

The Venta de Canicas location was used for the hold-up in “Duck You Sucker” and for scenes in “Blindman”, “The Ballad of Ben & Charlie” is located next to the expressway leading toward Gergal on the opposite side from where the opening scene from “For a Few Dollars More” is located. When I was there in 2003 only a few remains of the stalls from the main building and the dark round stone base which was used to grind grain. The stones are dark and we actually witnessed a truck that appeared with two workers who started cleaning the stones. This may have been in preparation of them being removed. There is an access road next to the expressway but you have to park and climb the loose gravel embankment that the road takes under the expressway to get to the location.

Born Dieter Albert Eugen Rolloman on Ocotber 25, 1909 in Hannover, Germany. He was the son of conductor Willi Felix Borsche and singer Anna Freidrike Marie. Dieter's original interest was in dance and he was a ballet dancer from 1930-1935 at the Municipal Opera in Hannover. He then became interested in acting and took acting lessons and appeared on stage from 1935-1944. In 1944 during World War II he was drafted into the army where he was wounded and captured. After the war he returned to the theater and film acting where he became famous. He had acted in film since 1935 in small roles but found fame in 1949's Nachtwache (Night Watch). His film persona was one of heroism and integrity. He began to change this in the 1960s when he took roles as villains. Sometime in the 1950s he began the first signs of muscular dystrophy. He was forced to retire from film and television in the 1970s. Confined to a wheelchair he took roles in radio and stage plays. He was married three times the last to actress Ulla Willick from 1970 until his death in 1982 in Nuremberg, Germany. He is the father of director Kaj Borsche. In 1964 Dieter appeared as Pastor Benson in his only Euro-western “Massacre at Marble City. Today we celebrate what would have been Dieter Borsche's 100th birthday.

A group of college kids coming back from a debating competition learn they need to pick up a broken down bus carrying the local hockey team. Upon doing so, they become lost in the desert. The bus finds itself in the deserted western town of Hope Springs, were outlaw cowboy, Reb Halland, weaves his demonic magic. In this town, ghost bandits from the past return to earth every thirteen years to re-fight a shoot-out. As jocks and nerds are picked off one by one, they must work together to fight their way out or they will be stuck in the supernatural town for the next thirteen years.

In August 1851, the discovery of gold in Ballarat, Australia, sent shockwaves across the world. Hordes of adventurers flocked to the new land of the golden dream, encountering a harsh, frequently violent land. Despoiled by bushrangers, brutalised by the old convict system and torn by class conflicts, it took a certain kind of settler to rise to the challenges of the new country. Boston-born Christopher Cobb is one of those people. Seasoned with experience gained in the Californian gold rush, Chris’s job is to find rights of way through the arid terrain of New South Wales, survey new lines of communication, and secure lucrative contracts for his expanding stagecoach business. He is a gentleman, yet no stranger to violence, and possesses an inherent hatred of injustice in any form - a trait that leads him into highly dangerous situations. In a land that has no sympathy for weaklings, Chris becomes whatever man he needs to be to.

American actor Peter Graves (Mission: Impossible) brought his sun-bleached good looks to this joint venture between ATV/ ITC and the Australian Seven Network, with input from an American production crew and writers, Whiplash transposed the frontier drama of the classic western to the heat and dust of the bush and Cobb defended himself with a bullwhip rather than a pistol. First broadcast in the UK in 1960, Whiplash features fast-moving scripts, including several by future Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, and a memorably rousing theme composed by Edwin Astley and sung by international star Frank Ifield. This complete series is released here for the very first time.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

I always thought of James Philbrook as a poor man's Rod Cameron. Both were large in stature with deep voices and pretty wooden in performances. Born on October 22, 1924 in Davenport, Iowa, Philbrook started out as a leading actor in two Susan Hayward films “I Want to Live” (1958) and “A Woman Obsessed” (1959). He had a leading role on the TV series “The New Loretta Young Show” (1962) where he played the role of Paul Belzer a magazine editor who courted and finally married Loretta Young's character in the final episode. He then starred in the 1962 film “The Wild Westerners” and then he travelled to Europe in hopes of capitalizing on his name recognition and revitalize his sagging film career and appeared in seven Euro-westerns such as “Finger on the Trigger” (1965) with Rory Calhoun and “Son of a Gunfighter” (1966) with Russ Tamblyn. Successive roles became smaller and smaller. His final film appearance was in “El asesino no está solo” in 1975. He returned to the U.S and died in relative obscurity on October 24, 1982 in Los Angeles at the young age of 58. Today we remember James Philbrook on what would have been his 85th birthday.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Born Ferdinando Angelini on August 17, 1933 in Monteprandone, Acoli Piceno, Marche, Italy he would first appear on screen in the 1958 film “Il segreto delle rose” directed by Albino Principe. He would continue to act in films until the late 1960's. During this time he appeared in six Euro-westerns including his biggest role as George in “Colorado Charlie” using the alias Fernand Angels. Most of his parts were character roles as henchmen and gang members seldom given a name for the character he played.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Joseph Wiseman, a longtime stage and screen actor most widely known for playing the villainous title character in “Dr. No,” the first feature film about James Bond, died on Monday October 19 at his home in Manhattan. He was 91.

Mr. Wiseman gained recognition for his role as Dr. Julius in the 1962 James Bond film “Dr. No” starring Sean Connery. Mr. Wiseman’s other film credits include “Detective Story” (1951); “Viva Zapata!” (1952); “The Garment Jungle” (1957); “The Unforgiven” (1960); “The Night They Raided Minsky’s” (1968) and “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz” (1974). He had guest roles on many television shows, among them “Law & Order,” “The Streets of San Francisco,” “The Untouchables” and “The Twilight Zone.” In the late 1980s, he had a recurring role as the crime boss Manny Weisbord on the NBC drama “Crime Story.”

Joseph Wiseman was born in Montreal on May 15, 1918, and moved to the United States with his family when he was a boy. His first Broadway role was in the company of “Abe Lincoln in Illinois” (1938). Among his many other Broadway credits are “Joan of Lorraine” (1946), “Antony and Cleopatra” (1947), “Detective Story” (1949); “The Lark” (1955) and the title role in “In the Matter of J. Robert Oppenheimer” (1969).

Mr. Wiseman appeared in one European western as Lucas in 1971's “Lawman” starring Burt Lancaster.

A new Lucky Luke starring Jean Dujardin as the fastest gun in the West opens tomorrow Ocotber 21st in France. The president of the United States orders Lucky Luke to clean up Daisy Town. When he arrives he must cross the paths of Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Pat Poker, Calamity Jane and Belle.

The town of Trinity is invaded by Mexican bandits led by the Sancho brothers, Ramon and Pedro, who rob, kill and terrorize the town. Aided by their informer and accomplice Pizzaro, who runs the local saloon but who wants to run the rest of the town. The local sheriff is inept to handle the situation and when a federal marshal is sent in to help he is ambushed and killed. Desperate, the town folk of Trinity hire a notorious bounty killer to rid a town of a gang of Mexicans. Alan Boyd is more of a killing machine than a bounty hunter and one who enjoys his profession to the hilt. He demands money up front plus the rewards on all the gangs heads. The tricks of his tread are a crossbow mounted with a telescope and of course the always efficient dynamite which he has attached to some of his arrows. When the job is completed he's contacted by a neighboring town who need him to rid their village of a band of Mexicans.

Monday, October 19, 2009

At a location designated as “Los llanos del duque" which is further down on the service road to Gergal at the Tabernas exit from Autovia 92 at the Tabernas exit. This location is on the same road as the gate to El Condor about 2.5 miles further north.

There is a pullout where you can park your car and then you climb to the top of a small hill which has a camera location and overlooks the farmer's field below. Little has changed since this location was used in the opening scene of “For a Few Dollars More” before and during the opening credits. If you listen closely you may still here the whistling and humming of Sergio Leone as it blows by on the wind.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Born Georges Géret on October 18, 1924 in Lyon, France, and raised by his mother. He became involved in theater after his studies. He would go on to be a supporting and character actor in over 80 films and television appearances. He is probably best remembered for his role as the gardener in Louis Bunuel's “Journal de chambre” (Diary of a Chamber Maid) in 1964. He also made an impression as Roger in the 1969 film “Z”. He sometimes used the alias Alan Leroy. Géret made one Euro-western “Massacre at Fort Holman” starring James Coburn, Telly Svalas and Bud Spencer. His part was as Sergeant Spike, who made friends with Spencer once he was inside Fort Holman. The coroporal kept quizzing Spencer because he thought he knew him from a past meeting. Georges died on April 8, 1996 in Paris, France. Today we remember Georges Géret on what would have been his 85th birthday.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Italian actress Rosanna Schiaffino died of cancer in Milan, Italy today October 17th. She was born in Genoa, Italy on November 25, 1939 and won the Miss Liguria beauty contest in 1953 at the age of 14. She immediately started playing small roles in Italian, French and later British films as well as appearing on a number of magazine covers. By the end of the decade she had become famous for her appearances and termermental performances. Schiaffino refused to appear nude in any of her films even though it was in vogue at the time. Her career ended in 1977 and she became rather reclusive. She was married to producer for a time in the 1960's and seventies divorcing in 1977. She married Giorgio Falck in 1977.

Rosanna appeared in one Euro-western 1973's “A Man Called Noon” starring Richard Crenna as Fan Davidge

Spaghetti Western 59 Reade St.New York City, New York 10007Phone: (212) 513-1333

Spaghetti Western: Except for the Italian movie posters decorating the walls, there’s nothing too spaghetti or western about this TriBeCa eatery. There’s pasta on the menu, but the real focus is on the meat dishes, which are simply prepared and well-spiced, and priced under $15. The bar is small and standard, offering a few specialty cocktails (like the lurid Electric Lemonade), but beer buyers beware; even though it’s listed with the other brews, the ginger beer contains no alcohol. It is, however, sweet and delicious. The young professionals drinking here like to get sloshed before 9pm, and their celebration can take over the entire place. The dining room might be unassuming, but the quality of the food indicates that Spaghetti Western is really a neighborhood restaurant disguised as a happening bar.

Gordon Mitchell plays the hero, a gunfighter who gets involved with a ruthless town boss /land baron named Tyson. When Gordon wins a large sum of money in a poker game with Dodge he tries to get the money back by force, along with several of his henchmen. Gordon reacts by killing a dozen of Dodge's men. Eventually they kidnap a saloon girl and try to take control of the entire area including the town of Tree Crossing for their own personal gain. After seeing a small ranch owned by Flory Waldmore, almost burned to the ground Gordon decides he'll take sides and joins the townspeople in fighting the crooked land baron and Dodge and after being captured and beaten he finally faces Dodge in a showdown while Tyson manages to escape. For his heroism Gordon is named the sheriff and marries Flory.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Martyn Sanderson, one of the founders of Downstage Theatre, died overnight at his home in Otaki, New Zealand. Downstage Director Hilary Beaton praised the director's positive influence on the theatre: "Martyn was one of several visionary Wellingtonians who worked together in 1963 and 1964 to start Downstage, New Zealand's first professional theatre, I would like to pay tribute to Martyn for his tireless support for our work and for the principles on which we depend.." Sanderson was still producing theatre when he died. Martyn Sanderson appeared in 1969's "Ned Kelly" starring Mick Jagger.

Born Vincenzo Andronico on May 13, 1930 in Palermo, Sicily Enzo had a long career in Italian B films in supporting roles in Franco & Ciccio films, before breaking into larger mainstream films. He was featured in small roles in the Franco & Ciccio westerns and as a villain in Italian crime and action films. His last screen appearance was in the 2003 film Andata e ritorno (Roundtrip). Enzo passed away on September 26, 2002 in his hometown of Palermo, Italy.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

"Guns for San Sebastian" will be showing at the Trash Palace in Toronto, Canada on October 23rd. Tickets for the showing of the 16mm print can be purchased in advance at Eyesore, 801 Queen St. - 2nd floor for $5.00Trash Palace link: trashpalace.ca

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Ray Watts has informed me of a sensational Youtube link to location scenes from "Once Upon a Time in the West". With the Morricone score in the background this is the best Now & Then location video I've ever seen.

Born Simón Andreu Trobat on January 11, 1941 in Sa Pablo, Spain. He began dramatic lessons but never finished them when offered a role in the 1961 film “Siempre es domingo” directed by Fernando Palacios. He took the stage name Simón Andreu as most of his film career was spent in French films. He has appeared in over 135 films and television productions. Simón appeared in eight Euro-westerns usually as the brother of a leading character or in supporting roles as Mexicans. Now in his 60s he's still active mainly in TV productions and just finished a role in the 2010 British, Canadian, Spanish production of “Ben Hur” to be released on TV.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Ottavia Piccolo was born on October 9, 1949 in Alto Adige, Italy. She appeared in her first film “Le notti bianche” in 1962 and has been acting ever since on stage, film and television. She is also a voice dubber and was the voice of Princess Leia in the “Star Wars” trilogy. Ottavia appeared in one Euro-western 1975's “Zorro” as Contessina Ortensia Pulido starring Alain Delon. Today we celebrate Ottavia Piccolo's 60th birthday.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

La Fortalenza is the site of the massive fort used in “El Condor”, ”A Reason to Kill a Reason to Die” and “Scalps” to name a few. What is left of the fort's location is easy to spot but tricky to actually get to. If you visit Western Leone walk to the opposite side of the street from the entrance. You must stop at a rope forbidding you to go any further. If you look about a quarter of mile straight ahead you will see a huge pile of rubble bleaching in the sun. This is what is left of the fort. If you leave Western Leone and follow the road that parallels the expressway you will come upon a white gate. You can park your car here climb around the gate and walk down the winding road to the location. The tricky part is avoiding the workers at Western Leone who keep an eye on the El Condor location. There's not much left of the once impressive fort but it's still possible to stand on the spot Marianna Hill did her famous striptease to distract the guards attention while Lee Van Cleef, Jim Brown and Iron Eyes Cody and there Apache warriors scaled the walls.

For a more detailed view of this site and other Spaghetti Western locations please visit my friend Yoshi “Garring” Yasuda’s excellent website: http://garringo.cool.ne.jp/

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

French actor Claude d'Yd died in Saint Maurice, France on September 25th of natural causes. Born Raymond Jean Claude Perret on September 16, 1922 in Paris, he was the son of actor Jean d'Yd. Claude was a stage, film and TV actor but was best known in France as a voice dubber and is best associated for dubbing the voice of William Devane. Claude appeared in one European Western as McGregor in "Dynamite Jack" (1961) with French actor Fernandel.

Cast:Michigan - Mark EdwardsMarion - Carmen Sevilla (Maria Galisteo)El Reyes - Fernando Sancho (Fernando Les)Poldo - Charley Bravo (Ramon Bravo)Jeremiah - Piero Lulli (Giusva Lulli)Budd - Yvan VarellaSophia - Barbara CarrolLupe - Patty ShepardSergeant Jess Calloway - Frank Braña (Francisco Pérez)Deputy Ronny - Poldo BendandiChangito - Juanito SantiagoLittle Steve – Fernando Bilbaowith; Ivan Roberto, Mercedes Linter, Jaime Picas, A. Lintermans (Aurelien Lintermans), Osvaldo GenazaniA gang of seven outlaws devise a plan to rob the bank of Sun Valley. Their intention is to blow out the floor of the bank from a tunnel dug under the street to retrieve the safe. To accomplish this they blow up several of the town's buildings as a diversionary tactic. Each gang member has a specific task to do during the robbery and everything goes as planned. The gang rides off to their hideout cabin in the nearby snowy mountains. Then the tension starts and one of the outlaws gets greedy and steals the loot. A shootout between the gang ensues and the horse carrying the bank money returns to Sun Valley. Reyes, one of the bandits, follows the horse trying to retrieve the money but when he's seen in town he's given a hero's welcome for getting the money back.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

I'll be going on vacation to Sedona, Arizona taking my folks over from Northridge, California to visit my sister. We'll be leaving early tomorrow morning and coming back on Monday stopping in Laughlin, Nevada and getting home on Tuesday. I'll try and make a late post on Tuesday and then back to normal on Wednesday. Until then this is one of the views we look at from my sister's back yard.

About Me

Born in Toledo, Ohio in 1946 I have a BA degree in American History from Cal St. Northridge. I've been researching the American West and western films since the early 1980s and visiting filming sites in Spain and the U.S.A. Elected a member of the Spaghetti Western Hall of Fame 2010.